This Brown Rice Salad is my take on the viral Jennifer Aniston salad, and one I've been making for years as a meal prep lunch. Made with brown rice, chickpeas, spinach, cucumber, bacon bits, pistachios, and feta, all tossed in a zingy garlic herb vinaigrette.
Why You'll Love this Brown Rice Salad:
- Meal Prep Friendly: Holds up well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
- Filling & Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full and energized.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with whole food ingredients and no gluten-containing grains.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- Brown Rice: Filling fiber-rich base with a mild nutty flavor and texture.
- Chickpeas: Adds plant-based protein and creaminess.
- Cucumber & Spinach: Fresh, crisp greens for balance.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy, & creamy.
- Pistachios: Crunchy, slightly sweet, and full of healthy fats.
- Bacon Bits: Totally optional, but adds a savory smokiness.
- Garlic & Herb Dressing: A zesty but balanced blend of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, and herbs.
Dietary Swaps:
- Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free, just double-check labels on canned chickpeas, bacon, and mustard to ensure no hidden gluten.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative like Violife's Just Like Feta.
- Vegetarian: Leave out the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon bits.
- Vegan: Skip both the bacon and feta, and swap honey for maple syrup or agave in the dressing.
- Nut-Free: Replace pistachios with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts.
- Low-Carb: Substitute brown rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb version.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Protein: Stir in canned tuna, grilled chicken, or chopped hard-boiled eggs for a more filling meal.
- Mediterranean Style: Add sliced olives and chopped roasted red peppers.
- Swap the Greens: Try chopped kale, arugula, or romaine instead of spinach.
- No Rice? You can use quinoa, farro, or couscous as a base instead.
Tips & Notes:
- Cool the Rice First: Let the brown rice cool completely before mixing with spinach and other ingredients. Warm rice can wilt the greens.
- Taste and Adjust Dressing: Always taste your dressing before adding. Adjust vinegar, honey, or seasoning to suit your taste.
Make Ahead & Storage:
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep. Prep all components up to 2 days in advance and store salad and dressing separately. Dress and combine just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If already dressed, the spinach may soften slightly but it will still taste great.
FAQs:
The Jennifer Aniston salad typically includes brown rice, spinach, chickpeas, cucumbers, feta cheese, nuts, and a flavorful vinaigrette, similar but not quite this recipe.
Cooked brown rice can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Yes, brown rice is primarily a carbohydrate but is also a good source of fiber and nutrients.
Rinsing brown rice before cooking removes excess starch and any debris.
Brown rice is whole grain with the bran and germ intact, making it more nutritious and higher in fiber than white rice, which has those layers removed.
More Salad Recipes You Will Love:
- Roasted Broccoli, Butternut Squash & White Bean Salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing
Recipe
Brown Rice Salad with Feta
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice cooled
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- ¼ cup bacon bits cooked and crumbled
Garlic & Herb Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown rice, spinach, chickpeas, cucumber, feta, pistachios, and bacon.
- Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Add more dressing as needed to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Let the rice cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting the spinach.
- This salad stores well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Naturally gluten-free; to make vegetarian, omit bacon or swap with plant-based bacon.
- Nutrition estimates are approximate.
Nutrition
Tried This Brown Rice Salad recipe? I'd love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below! Your feedback helps others discover this easy, flavorful dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, theme park & Orlando travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Must Love Garlic says
Easy to make and great for meal prep!